4 replies to this topic

[Joshua B]

Hi guys. My current mid tower P35 Core 2 Duo PC has served me well as an HTPC but I'd like to re-purpose it as a replacement for my P4 Windows Home Server.

So I'd like to build a brand new HTPC. All of my videos and music are streamed from the WHS via gigabit LAN and I don't do any recording, so at this time I don't think I'll include a big spindle drive, although I have one if I need it later.

Can you comment on this potential build?

Thank you!

OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W Modular High Performance Power Supply compatible with Intel Sandybridge Core i3 i5 i7 and AMD Phenom

Fractal Design Core 1000 Micro ATX Computer Case w/ 1 x 120mm fan

GIGABYTE GA-H77M-D3H LGA 1155 Intel H77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

Intel Core i3-2120 Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2000 BX80623I32120

CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)

Corsair Force Series GT CSSD-F90GBGT-BK 2.5" 90GB SATA III Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

SilenX EFX-09-12 92mm Case Fan (exhaust fan for the back of the case)

SilenX EFX-12-12 120mm Case Fan (replacement for the fan provided with the case)

[dvn]

It all looks good.

I'd be tempted to use a fanless PSU: http://www.Newegg.co...Item=17-151-097

And maybe a smaller case, but that's a matter of preference. The Fractal has a great review rating.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2

[jmwills]

See my Sig line for the Silverstone Case I use. Love it.

The CPU is an overkill for a pure HTPC unless you plan to record/transcode, etc.

[pcdoc]

Looks great except for two things. Based on my tainted past, I would not use the Corsair GT. Corsair has been slow to respond the BSOD issues and my recent round with the GT will not allow me to recommend their products as solid. In my opinion, you are better off with the Intel or Vertex versions of the Sanforce series. I have not tried this particular version of the DDR3 but I have several of thier vengeance sticks that are flaky here on my desk so I have abandoned Corsair memory for the time being and stick with GSkill. As of this writing I have have not had any go bad so all my builds run on Gskill. Just my two cents.

[no-control]

my quick thoughts...

- PSU is too big 400w is plenty
- Why Sandy bridge with a Z77? Unless you're upgrading in a few months, get a Z68
- Do you need the hyper threading and clock speed of the i3? No transcoding or ripping with this box, so no need, go with either the Celeron G540 or Pentium G620 CPUs
- Skip the Corsair SSD get a crucial M4 or samsung 830. Best on the market for the price.
- 8GB of RAM is unnecessary, 4GB would be adequate, but given RAM prices.....whatever
- If the tower floats your boat great, otherwise use some of that money i just saved ya for a nicer case.